Keto was the right choice for me
harmar21
Posts: 215 Member
I know I am going to regret this post as I am sure it will turn into a flame-war, but let me preface this by saying I don't believe keto is the right choice for everyone, but it was for me.
Over the holidays I 'cheated' quite a bit by eating a fair bit more carbs then I normaly while on keto, but still a lot less then my pre-keto days (and gaining 6lbs of waterweight as a result).
As soon as I ate some sugary sweets my cravings came instantly back. Along with the cravings came my hunger that I couldn't seem to satiate, I was eating way more (both quantity wise and calorie wise) then I normally do and still was hungry. This is why only calorie counting doesn't work for me and some others like me. I would love to eat these grains and sugars every day while staying at my target, but I couldn't without starving all the time.
The couple days of cheating over the holidays reaffirms to me that picking keto was the right decision for weight loss and hunger control.
So before you go bashing people saying "oh why cut out a whole food group, that is stupid just eat whatever you want and stay within your goals" , it just doesn't work for some of us.
I'd rather cut out a food group and actually not be hungry most of the time, than eat every food group but be miserable because I am always hungry.
Over the holidays I 'cheated' quite a bit by eating a fair bit more carbs then I normaly while on keto, but still a lot less then my pre-keto days (and gaining 6lbs of waterweight as a result).
As soon as I ate some sugary sweets my cravings came instantly back. Along with the cravings came my hunger that I couldn't seem to satiate, I was eating way more (both quantity wise and calorie wise) then I normally do and still was hungry. This is why only calorie counting doesn't work for me and some others like me. I would love to eat these grains and sugars every day while staying at my target, but I couldn't without starving all the time.
The couple days of cheating over the holidays reaffirms to me that picking keto was the right decision for weight loss and hunger control.
So before you go bashing people saying "oh why cut out a whole food group, that is stupid just eat whatever you want and stay within your goals" , it just doesn't work for some of us.
I'd rather cut out a food group and actually not be hungry most of the time, than eat every food group but be miserable because I am always hungry.
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I don't think you'll get the bashing you're expecting since you're not spouting keto as the solution for everyone, or as a magic solution that exists outside of the rules of CICO.
I eat moderate carb for much the same reason you do, and watch my sugar intake because of migraines. I hear you. Everyone needs to find what works best for their body, but there's not something magic about any solution... even though it does feel like magic when something finally clicks into place for you after struggling for so long. Congratulations on finding what's right for you.0 -
Thanks, it's not like I didn't try pure calorie counting before. I tried it twice before and failed due to hunger. I thought I was destined to be obese forever until a couple months ago I saw quite a few people who said they went on atkins and where everything else failed, it worked for them due to not being hungry while still eating good foods.mamapeach910 wrote: »I don't think you'll get the bashing you're expecting since you're not spouting keto as the solution for everyone, or as a magic solution that exists outside of the rules of CICO.
I eat moderate carb for much the same reason you do, and watch my sugar intake because of migraines. I hear you. Everyone needs to find what works best for their body, but there's not something magic about any solution... even though it does feel like magic when something finally clicks into place for you after struggling for so long. Congratulations on finding what's right for you.
I originally started atkins, but soon switched to keto instead.
I am hoping that eventually I can switch to eating a bit more carbs, but maybe I won't ever be able to if this holidays was any indication as to what happens. The grains didn't bring back the cravings, that was the sugar, so hopefully I can eventually bring back grains as I miss that more anyways0 -
Hi harmar21,
I am also cutting carbs and did the same as you during the last week or so. I didn't go out and get the food, it came to me via family and at work.
This is my second time on a low carb diet. The first time I lost 25 lbs and gained about half of it back over the course of a year.
It's all about will power and choices. One thing I did notice during that week were several headaches and I usually don't get headaches.
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I also eat a ketogenic diet. It helps me feel satiated, so that I am able to stay at a caloric deficit. Instead of gaining weight this holiday season, I've lost six pounds since Thanksgiving. And I feel great.
Many people are equally successful with simple calorie restriction and moderation. (I'm not one of them.) Great that you found what works best for you.
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It did not work for me...there were too many inconveniences. Sometimes the only foods around are not keto-friendly. It was restrictive and not something I could do for the rest of my life. Maybe a year or two but certainly not forever. This is not meant to be a slam...I promise, but I notice you have been doing this for 4-5 months?? You are still in the honeymoon phase. I remember because I was very excited about it at that point. The problem for me was once I had a grain or something that was " forbidden", all of the cravings would come back--full force. What I like about everything in moderation is I can have 1/2 or 1 cup of rice and I am happy. I know tomorrow I can have it again if I want!
If you were so hungry before while calorie counting maybe you were being too aggressive with your weight loss goal? maybe you were not eating enough protein/fat to fill you up.
Sorry, I am not trying to talk you out of it. I just want you to know that if you have a change of heart in the future, you have options. Good luck with everything!!
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Well, keto works if it works for you. I do think that the cravings and hunger can also be managed with moderate carbs if you are being sure to never eat sugary starchy foods on their own or in large quantities at once. I've never been on keto so I don't know to what degree that reduces hunger and cravings, but I can eliminate carb cravings on moderate carbs but I do need to be careful.0
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I've tried low carb a few of times, but every time I am ravenous the very next day and I can't seem to get enough food. Does anyone know why this is?0
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Like farfromthree, I used to do very low carb as well, and agree that it's too restrictive for a life-time eating plan.
I eventually found a carb balance that worked as a sustainable way of eating for me. Most of my carbs come from dairy and beans (I'm a vegetarian), and I average around 100g net a day. I was eating this way before I came to MFP--I was just eating too much of the food I ate at the time. I'm free from the craving that I used to experience eating this way.
There is a happy moderate balance that you can find if you ever feel that keto becomes TOO restrictive. I personally tend to limit grains, but that's down more to digestive issues I have with some of them than anything. I stay away from known triggers and eat other things in moderation, staying within set macro goal.0 -
I was eating moderate carbs during this holiday season. Only times I had carbs were with dinners (one serving of corn, one serving of dressing, and a couple small pieces of fudge) I didn't go full blowout, I still think I had <150g of carbs (complete guess though)girlviernes wrote: »Well, keto works if it works for you. I do think that the cravings and hunger can also be managed with moderate carbs if you are being sure to never eat sugary starchy foods on their own or in large quantities at once. I've never been on keto so I don't know to what degree that reduces hunger and cravings, but I can eliminate carb cravings on moderate carbs but I do need to be careful.
My calorie goal is set lower with keto than when I was just calorie counting and I am less hungry. (with calorie counting I did have it set at this level, but had to up it and even then still was hungry)
I am hoping that keto is something I only have to do until I get close to / at my goal weight. Because I don't want to be restricted from pizza, rice, fruits, etc from rest of my life. I am definitely not in love with keto, but so far nothing else has worked.
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as long as its something you can sustain for life go for it! your philosophy of cutting down on carbs to allow for volume eating makes sense for you if thats more important to you, just make sure you can envision doing that forever
good luck to you0 -
christinev297 wrote: »I've tried low carb a few of times, but every time I am ravenous the very next day and I can't seem to get enough food. Does anyone know why this is?
Did you increase good fats intake to compensate?
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christinev297 wrote: »I've tried low carb a few of times, but every time I am ravenous the very next day and I can't seem to get enough food. Does anyone know why this is?
Probably because you weren't eating enough protein and fat. When you go low carb, you need to eat a diet high in fat.0 -
Yep. Had loads of protein and fat. My carbs were less than 5 though. Maybe too much, too soon.....0
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how long did you do it for? For me, when I started keto I went completely cold turkey on carbs (i.e eating a ton, to very little). For the next 5 days I was absolutely starving and miserable. About 1/2 way through the 5th day my hunger completely went away, and went so much that I was struggling even eating enough. Appetite did slowly come back over the next couple of weeks but not to level it was before.christinev297 wrote: »Yep. Had loads of protein and fat. My carbs were less than 5 though. Maybe too much, too soon.....
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5gms is low....perhaps try 25gms to 50gms.0
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how long did you do it for? For me, when I started keto I went completely cold turkey on carbs (i.e eating a ton, to very little). For the next 5 days I was absolutely starving and miserable. About 1/2 way through the 5th day my hunger completely went away, and went so much that I was struggling even eating enough. Appetite did slowly come back over the next couple of weeks but not to level it was before.christinev297 wrote: »Yep. Had loads of protein and fat. My carbs were less than 5 though. Maybe too much, too soon.....
2 days at a time. My willpower totally went out the window.tiptoethruthetulips wrote: »5gms is low....perhaps try 25gms to 50gms.
yes, I will try those numbers next time.
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christinev297 wrote: »I've tried low carb a few of times, but every time I am ravenous the very next day and I can't seem to get enough food. Does anyone know why this is?
Could be related to hypoglycemia or something. If I eat a good high protein meal with some fats and plenty of calories but barely any carbs, I get really sick. Like nausea and headache kind of sick. Those weren't your symptoms, but that could have influenced your hunger.
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mamapeach910 wrote: »I don't think you'll get the bashing you're expecting since you're not spouting keto as the solution for everyone, or as a magic solution that exists outside of the rules of CICO.
This. Moderate carb (under 100 grams for a while, now 40% or under 150 g) works for me, as well as just not eating processed carbs on their own much, but I'm completely open to the idea that keto works better for others, especially people who have struggled with hunger/cravings on other plans. (Hunger was never my issue.) It's why I think people should experiment until they find something that works.
The only thing I object to is when keto-evangelists start going on about the evils of carbs or how it must work better for everyone or will allow me to eat 3000 calories/day without gaining or some nonsense.0 -
herrspoons wrote: »Anyone doing keto should ask themselves the following question: "can I do this for the rest of my life?".
If the answer is no then spare yourself the misery.
a) You don't need to.
b) What misery ?0 -
herrspoons wrote: »herrspoons wrote: »Anyone doing keto should ask themselves the following question: "can I do this for the rest of my life?".
If the answer is no then spare yourself the misery.
a) You don't need to.
b) What misery ?
A) No, but I'd wager most people will panic, get depressed, and fall off the wagon once the water weight goes back on when carbs are introduced.
The headaches and lethargy in induction. Plus not being able to eat cake or chocolate.
a) When a person decides to go keto, most will eat keto for life.
b) Believe it or not, not everyone likes cake and chocolate.0 -
christinev297 wrote: »Yep. Had loads of protein and fat. My carbs were less than 5 though. Maybe too much, too soon.....
Your body is very used to having easy to access sugars and glucose to fuel it. When you don't provide it with those sources it freaks out and makes you crave them excessively to get things back on track. It's like any addiction - part of it is physical, and your body *will* protest loudly in the hopes that you'll give it what it wants.
There are a few ways to approach this. First of all, I think easing into keto is a good approach for many people, rather than going cold turkey. It doesn't shock the body as much. Record a normal day and see how many carbs you have. The next day, replace some of those carbs with fat and protein. Then do some more the next day, etc.
Secondly, for the first little bit a person should eat to satiety rather than focusing on calorie amounts or macros or all that fun stuff. Craving bread? Eat a pepperoni stick or make some bacon and eggs. Wanting cake? Have some cheese or avocado. Reaching for that bag of chips? Try pork rinds instead. You get the idea. Basically, keep feeding yourself protein and fat (and drink tons of water and make sure to supplement electrolytes) and gradually those cravings will recede and then vanish.0 -
iridescentblue wrote: »christinev297 wrote: »Yep. Had loads of protein and fat. My carbs were less than 5 though. Maybe too much, too soon.....
Your body is very used to having easy to access sugars and glucose to fuel it. When you don't provide it with those sources it freaks out and makes you crave them excessively to get things back on track. It's like any addiction - part of it is physical, and your body *will* protest loudly in the hopes that you'll give it what it wants.
There are a few ways to approach this. First of all, I think easing into keto is a good approach for many people, rather than going cold turkey. It doesn't shock the body as much. Record a normal day and see how many carbs you have. The next day, replace some of those carbs with fat and protein. Then do some more the next day, etc.
Secondly, for the first little bit a person should eat to satiety rather than focusing on calorie amounts or macros or all that fun stuff. Craving bread? Eat a pepperoni stick or make some bacon and eggs. Wanting cake? Have some cheese or avocado. Reaching for that bag of chips? Try pork rinds instead. You get the idea. Basically, keep feeding yourself protein and fat (and drink tons of water and make sure to supplement electrolytes) and gradually those cravings will recede and then vanish.
Awesome advice! Thankyou xx
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[quote="herrspoons;30667286"
A) No, but I'd wager most people will panic, get depressed, and fall off the wagon once the water weight goes back on when carbs are introduced.
B ) The headaches and lethargy in induction. Plus not being able to eat cake or chocolate.
[/quote]
A) how silly. I'm going to regain 50 lbs of water. Yeah, right. LOL. Easily avoided - sodium intake. High cocoa solids chocolate is a regular for me. Low carb cakes are easy to make too, if that floats your boat. You can even buy cake mixes in boxes.
I could apply the same snarky approach to exercise, or low fat dieting.
Are you going to exercise at that level for the rest of your life ? If not, save yourself the pain.
Restricting calories - you know you'll regain water when you stop ? Not being able to eat double cream, steak and full fat products, oh the misery. The panic and misery when you can't just eat 20% less of what you ate before and the weight doesn't come off. The nightmare of having to eat all the time as the blood sugar swings up and down. Pass the soda.
A useful lightning conductor thread if nothing else.
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herrspoons wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »herrspoons wrote: »herrspoons wrote: »Anyone doing keto should ask themselves the following question: "can I do this for the rest of my life?".
If the answer is no then spare yourself the misery.
a) You don't need to.
b) What misery ?
A) No, but I'd wager most people will panic, get depressed, and fall off the wagon once the water weight goes back on when carbs are introduced. The headaches and lethargy in induction. Plus not being able to eat cake or chocolate.
a) When a person decides to go keto, most will eat keto for life.
b) Believe it or not, not everyone likes cake and chocolate.
a) Evidence please.
b) I'm talking about humans.
Every person I know who eats keto has been doing so for 10-15+ years and plans on eating keto for the rest of their life. Whether they end up doing so can obviously change but they've been at it for a while and don't plan on incorporating carbs back into their diet.
I'm not even going to bother replying to your second claim because I don't entertain wise guy comments.0 -
I also eat a ketogenic diet. It helps me feel satiated, so that I am able to stay at a caloric deficit. Instead of gaining weight this holiday season, I've lost six pounds since Thanksgiving. And I feel great.
Many people are equally successful with simple calorie restriction and moderation. (I'm not one of them.) Great that you found what works best for you.
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I agree with you "Ketorach". I have never been successful with a simple caloric restriction, and the keto diet works for me.0
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Isn't the true keto diet higher in fat than protein? The majority of your calories come from fat I thought. Too much protein can take you out of ketoisis, can't it?
It's different from Atkins in that way, isn't it? Maybe I'm mixed up.
Anyway, OP, I'm glad to see a thread with someone talking about a keto diet when they are DOING it, instead of planning to do it!
Good luck to you. I tried once. It doesn't fit my personality.
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I started keto about a week ago. I have an under-active thyroid - I take synthroid so that helps. When I eat carbs I want more.....and more....and more.....
I love keto because my cravings are gone. I actually feel a sense of calm now. 
I don't find myself dreaming about food or the next meal. 
After I lose 10-15 lbs, I plan on slowly adding in healthy carbs to see how my body handles them. I'll start with fruit - low glycemic and then eventually sweet potatoes and brown rice. I'll always need to keep my carbs in check, but for now I'm greatly reducing them to see how many my body can handle. 
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Whatever works for you IMO. I know I would personally never be able to keep such a diet forever, and the only reason I managed to lose weight is because I knew I didn't have to cut a food group forever. But we're all different.0
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[quote="herrspoons;30667286"
A) No, but I'd wager most people will panic, get depressed, and fall off the wagon once the water weight goes back on when carbs are introduced.
B ) The headaches and lethargy in induction. Plus not being able to eat cake or chocolate.
A) how silly. I'm going to regain 50 lbs of water. Yeah, right. LOL. Easily avoided - sodium intake. High cocoa solids chocolate is a regular for me. Low carb cakes are easy to make too, if that floats your boat. You can even buy cake mixes in boxes.
I could apply the same snarky approach to exercise, or low fat dieting.
Are you going to exercise at that level for the rest of your life ? If not, save yourself the pain.
Restricting calories - you know you'll regain water when you stop ? Not being able to eat double cream, steak and full fat products, oh the misery. The panic and misery when you can't just eat 20% less of what you ate before and the weight doesn't come off. The nightmare of having to eat all the time as the blood sugar swings up and down. Pass the soda.
A useful lightning conductor thread if nothing else.
[/quote]
Lol!!! Totally agree!
BTW, love the drama whenever someone talks about anything low carb in these boards!!! Lol0
This discussion has been closed.
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